Queen Elizabeth II on Sunday became the first British monarch to reign for seven decades, announcing her "sincere wish" that Camilla, the wife of her heir Prince Charles, should ultimately be known as Queen Consort.
Britain's longest-serving monarch acceded to the throne aged 25 on Feb 6, 1952, following the death of her father King George VI. She marked the historic date quietly at Sandringham, her estate in eastern England where her father died.
In a message marking the 70th anniversary of her reign, the Queen said it was her "sincere wish" that Camilla would have that title.
The 95-year-old said in a written message to the nation: "I would like to express my thanks to you all for your support. I remain eternally grateful for, and humbled by, the loyalty and affection that you continue to give me."
This means Camilla, now 74, would be crowned alongside Charles, now 73, and known to the public as Queen Camilla, royal experts said. The Queen said she hoped that when Charles becomes king, the British people would give him and Camilla "the same support that you have given me".
Camilla was long vilified for her role in the break-up of Charles' marriage to Princess Diana.
Recognizing the sensitivities, when the couple married in 2005, the royal family announced she would be known as Princess Consort after Charles became king.
But she has gradually won plaudits as the future king's loyal wife.
Britain's longest-serving monarch acceded to the throne aged 25 on Feb 6, 1952, following the death of her father King George VI. She marked the historic date quietly at Sandringham, her estate in eastern England where her father died.
In a message marking the 70th anniversary of her reign, the Queen said it was her "sincere wish" that Camilla would have that title.
The 95-year-old said in a written message to the nation: "I would like to express my thanks to you all for your support. I remain eternally grateful for, and humbled by, the loyalty and affection that you continue to give me."
This means Camilla, now 74, would be crowned alongside Charles, now 73, and known to the public as Queen Camilla, royal experts said. The Queen said she hoped that when Charles becomes king, the British people would give him and Camilla "the same support that you have given me".
Camilla was long vilified for her role in the break-up of Charles' marriage to Princess Diana.
Recognizing the sensitivities, when the couple married in 2005, the royal family announced she would be known as Princess Consort after Charles became king.
But she has gradually won plaudits as the future king's loyal wife.
